August 16, 2005

Develop a safe and an effective workplace

Helping students embrace the characteristics of a safe and effective workplace is truly fundamental in their development as citizens in a technological society. General laboratory safety and equipment safety are fundamental concepts. Safe learning environments foster achievement. Certain values and attitudes are also fundamental in modeling a safe and effective workplace, and these values relate to many activities conducted in the laboratory. A student’s attitudes influence everything from safety to the performance of the group. Moreover, the development of leadership skills is closely coupled to the opportunity for application in the laboratory. Affording students the opportunity to lead and be led is fundamental in a technology-driven economy. Finally, the ability to manage information is fundamental to the ability of students to demonstrate their comprehension of what is required in a safe and effective workplace. Mastering these fundamental concepts will help your students embrace the requirements and improve their performance in subsequent technology education courses and any other courses taught in high school.



· DeLuca and Haynie
· NC Technology Education Teachers Handbook
Resources
CONTENT

Objective 2.01
Recognize safety procedures and practices in a technological world

The following outline characterizes what should be taught under Objective 2.01
· Learn general laboratory safety
· Learn band saw safety
· Learn drill press safety

The ability to recognize safe procedures and practices should be developed in all three domains of the learning. The cognitive domain requires that students can recognize and recall safety rules with one hundred percent accuracy. However, it is not enough that students can remember rules. They must be able to demonstrate safe practice in the psychomotor domain, and they must have the required attitudes and presence of mind necessary to function safely within the affective domain (DeLuca & Haynie, 1989). Students in Fundamentals of Technology are new to the technology education laboratory. “Safety” means something different to them than it does to you and your experienced students. You must run the laboratory’s safety program in a systematic way that demonstrates to your Fundamentals students that safety is important to the success of everyone.

The Comprehensive Safety Program
First, if you have not made reference to the Technology Education Teacher’s Handbook (published annually), then you should get a copy from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The handbook contains a brief description of general laboratory safety and the components of a comprehensive safety program.

If you have a comprehensive safety program in place, then you may begin to provide robust, laboratory-based technology education. The North Carolina Technology Education Teachers Handbook has a number of forms that you can use to systematically document safety and student behavior.

General Safety Rules
Teach your students general safety. Among the following is a list of general safety rules that may be pertinent to your laboratory. The list of rules is provided in the form of a student safety agreement. You can adapt this form to suit the circumstances of your laboratory. General safety rules should be posted throughout the lab.
General Safety Tests
You must test your students’ ability to recall and explain these general safety rules. Students must score 100 percent correct on the general safety written test before they are allowed to be present in the laboratory. A sample safety test follows the student safety agreement. You can adapt the safety test to suit your needs.

Machine Safety
Teach your students machine-specific safety. You must include manufacturer-specific safety rules in the list of rules pertaining to each machine. Additionally, students must score 100 percent correct on any safety test before they are allowed to use the specific tool or machine. Machine-specific safety rules should be posted on or near each machine.

Computer and Ergonomic Related Safety
Students use computers for long periods of time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently passed rules governing the safe operation of computers and seating in the workplace. You should take care to help your students work comfortably at computer workstations by making sure that they take breaks and are seated at workstations with well adjusted keyboards, chairs, and desks (R3 113-115).
Student Safety Agreement for Technology Education

Realizing that safety is very important, I _______________________ agree to obey the following
general safety rules. (Print Student Name)

General Safety Rules for Technology Education Laboratories

1. Ask my teacher to approve all work that I plan to do.

2. Report all injuries, however small, immediately to my teacher.

3. Wear suitable eye protection when engaged in any activity where eye injury may happen.

4. Be sure clothes are safe and suitable for lab work. Remove or fasten any loose clothing and jewelry. Roll loose sleeves above the elbows. Keep hair away from equipment in operation (students with shoulder length hair must put-up or tie-back their hair.)

5. Observe rules concerning operator safety zones, and stand clear of zones in use.

6. Cooperate with my classmates in the safe operation of my lab.

7. Caution any student I see breaking a safety rule, and report it to the teacher.

8. Report to the teacher any equipment that does not seem to work properly.

9. Keep tools and materials clear from aisles and from projecting over the edge of workbenches.

10. Use a brush to clear away scrap materials and use a rag to clean oily areas.

11. Keep the floor clear of scraps and litter.

12. Do not work in the lab while under the influence of prescription or non-prescription drugs.

13. Immediately wipe up any liquid spilled on the floor.

14. Never operate equipment without passing a safety test and without knowing its safe use.

15. Place oily rags in a covered metal container and other combustible materials in a flammables cabinet.

16. Exercise care in handling large, heavy, or long pieces of material.

17. Know and practice procedures to follow in case of fire, tornado, hurricane or other disaster.

18. Maintain your judgment and behavior while working in the laboratory at all times.

19. Always make sure that computers, chairs, and desks are adjusted for safe use over time.

20. Take breaks every hour or so when working at computers for long periods of time.

_______________________________________ Date: ____________
(Student Signature)
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AGREEMENT
To: ________________________
(Parent or Guardian)


_________________________ is enrolled in our Technology Education program and will have the
(Name of Student)

opportunity to use various tools and equipment. Appropriate instruction in the safe operation of these tools and equipment is given, and close supervision is maintained at all times. Although every precaution is taken to prevent accidents, a certain risk is involved due to the nature of the class, the age of the student, and the learning environment.

We are asking for your cooperation in impressing upon your child the importance of being careful, listening, and following the teacher's instructions. We believe this will back up the instruction that is given in school. If you would like to learn more about the program, we would welcome your visit to our school. Technology

These visits may be arranged by calling: ___________________________.
Teacher's Name ____________________________
Teacher's E-mail___________________________

Thank you very much for your help and assistance in providing your child with the "real world" experience of Technology Education in a safe working environment.


I have read the above description, and I realize the type of program that __________________________
(Name of student)

is taking. I will stress the safety aspects of this program to my child and will encourage my child to participate fully in the Technology Education program.

Parent or Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Home Phone: _______________________________ Work: _____________________________

Please identify any health problems which may have a bearing on your child's participation in this class.

_____________________________________________________________________________

******************************************************************************
I agree to observe all safety rules and procedures for safe operation. I will conduct myself properly. I will wear approved eye protection as required in the lab.


Student's Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________
General Safety Test, Student: ______________________

Directions
For each item below, read the statement, and choose the one best response below the statement. You must score 100 percent correct on this test in order to work in the laboratory.

Related VoCATS Test Items

1. What must be worn at all times when anyone is working in the lab?
A. shirt
B. safety glasses/goggles
C. jewelry
D. headband

2. How can you tell if you are standing too close to someone who is using a machine?
A. if the teacher calls you down
B. if chips of material hit you
C. if they yell at you
D. if you are in the safety zone

3. When working with machines what is important to do with your long hair, jewelry, neckties, sleeves and other long items?
A. wear a protective hat
B. cut your hair
C. restrain long hair and remove loose items
D. allow loose item to dangle freely

4. If you do not know how to safely operate a machine, what should you do?
A. do not operate
B. do the operation anyway
C. experiment with the machine
D. get a friend to teach you

5. What if you have just a small injury like a splinter?
A. wash it with soap and water
B. you only have to report small accidents to the student in charge of safety
C. dress it with medicine and a bandage
D. report all accidents no matter how small

6. What must the teacher approve?
A. all work that I want to do
B. first aid treatment
C. the number of students in the laboratory
D. repairs to equipment

7. If you spill something, what should you do?
A. tell the custodian
B. get a bucket of soapy water
C. report the spill to the maintenance office of the school
D. clean it up immediately

8. What should you do if you see a tool or machine that has malfunctioned or is damaged?
A. tell the custodian
B. get the tool box
C. report the spill to the maintenance office of the school
D. report it to the teacher

9. If you are using equipment like an office type chair and a computer keyboard for long periods of time, what precaution should you take?
A. make sure the equipment is adjusted for your body
B. bring your own chair to school
C. take a break every 15 minutes
D. switch seats ever hour

10. What is important about your behavior and judgment in the lab?
A. report students with poor attitudes
B. you must maintain good judgment and behavior
C. try to out compete your classmates in the activities you do in lab
D. assume that you can do most anything on your own

11. What must you keep aisles clear of?
A. tools and materials
B. wheelchairs
C. pedestrians
D. school desks

12. When it comes to procedures for emergencies like a tornado, what are your responsibilities?
A. leading other students out of the building
B. knowing and practicing the procedures
C. being in charge of first aid
D. being in charge of getting students to be calm

13. Where should you store oily rags?
A. tools bin
B. flammables cabinet
C. metal, lidded container
D. on a newspaper to keep work surfaces clean

14. If you try to move a large board in the laboratory, what is a major precaution?
A. taking care while lifting
B. lifting with your back
C. lifting with gloves and steel toed shoes
D. store the board so the end hangs off of a table or workbench

15. When you place a board on a workbench, what should you make sure of?
A. that tools and materials are stored near it
B. that it is standing vertically
C. that it is sorted by type of wood
D. that it does not hang over or outside of the rack

16. Where should all flammable materials be stored?
A. with the scrap newspaper
B. with the rags
C. flammables cabinet
D. under workbenches

17. If you know that a classmate is using illegal drugs while working in the lab, what should you do?
A. assist the student with his or her work
B. watch out for the student
C. keep it a secret
D. report him or her to the teacher

18. If you have taken a cold medication before technology education class, what should you do?
A. avoid laboratory work
B. avoid injury other students
C. avoid working with flammables
D. report to the school nurse

19. If you have been using the computer for a long time, how often should you take a break?
A. every 30 minutes
B. every hour
C. not necessary
D. only when convenient

20. As a minimum, what must you do with classmates when it comes to safety?
A. watch out for the worst behaved student
B. cooperate with each other
C. do not tell on each other
D. share machines
Band Saw Safety for Technology Education

Realizing that band saw safety is very important, I _______________________ agree to obey the following band saw safety rules. (Print Student Name)

Band Saw Safety Rules for Technology Education Laboratories

1. Never get fingers close to the blade.

2. Use a push stick for close cuts.

3. Use relief cuts for long irregular cuts.

4. Always keep the blade guards in place.

5. Use a wood blade for wood and a metal blade for metal.

6. Keep the blade guard that protects the fingers and steadies the blade at a height that will not allow the “pinky” finger to slide under and contact the blade.

7. Check the blade tension with a piece of wood.

8. Check the blade tracking by observing the blade position in the guide blocks and bearing and by finally pulsing the machine. Check the throat plate clearance.

9. Do not reach behind the blade.

10. Never operate the machine without the guards in place.

11. Never stand to the right of the saw where the blade could come out if broken.

_______________________________________ Date: ____________
(Student Signature)
Band Saw Safety Test, Student: ______________________

Directions
For each item below, read the statement, and choose the one best response below the statement. You must score 100 percent correct on this test in order to use the band saw.

Related VoCATS Test Items

1. What was specified in the lecture/demonstration to use when fingers might come too close to the band saw blade?
A. Use your hands anyway
B. Push stick
C. Relief cuts
D. Brass

2. What technique or cuts should be used when making long irregular cuts on the band saw?
A. Freehand cutting
B. Push stick
C. Relief cuts
D. Use the rip fence

3. The blade guard should be no higher than what distance above the stock to be cut on the band saw?
A. Same height as your pinky finger is thick
B. Same height as the push stick is thick
C. 1 inch
D. The height of the miter gage

4. Why should throat plate's clearance be checked prior to operating the band saw?
A. To make sure freehand cuts are not dangerous
B. To make sure the throat plate does not get in the way of the blade
C. To make sure the rip fence does not get in the way of your hands
D. Because it could fly out and hit you

5. Other than the type of blade, what are the two characteristics of band saw blade installation that should be checked prior to use?
A. Guard height and push stick thickness
B. Relief cuts and rip fence height
C. Tracking and tension
D. Using the rip fence and the miter gage

6. What factor should the operator consider when preparing to cut metal with the band saw?
A. Freehand cutting
B. Push stick
C. Relief cuts
D. Use a metal cutting blade

7. What is the concern for safety if an operator tried to cut a circle of too small of a diameter?
A. Break the blade guard
B. Break the blade and have it roll out of the machine's guards
C. Get chips in the eyes
D. Get metal flying out

8. Based on the operator’s position, on what side of the band saw should you not stand when it is in operation?
A. Right
B. Left
C. Back
D. Front
Drill Press Safety for Technology Education

Realizing that drill press safety is very important, I _______________________ agree to obey the following drill press safety rules. (Print Student Name)

Drill Press Safety Rules for Technology Education Laboratories

1. Set depth of cut to avoid drilling into the drill press table.

2. Generally, the softer the material you are drilling and the larger the twist drill or bit, then the slow the rpm should be set. The harder the material being cut and the smaller the twist drill, then the faster the rpm should be set.

3. On large floor model drill presses, set the rpm while it is running using the speed adjustment hand wheel. On many of the bench-top models, set the rpm while the drill press is stopped and unplugged using the pulley and belt.

4. Use a coolant when drilling metal.

5. Feed the drill so a steady stream of chips flow from the flutes of the twist drill. Metal should produce a continuous ribbon as its chip.

6. If chips become clogged in the flutes of twist drills, then remove the drill from the hole.

7. Clamp stock for specialty bits such as Forstner bits, speed bores, hole saws, expansion bits, etc.

8. Generally, use as slow a speed as possible for specialty bits, but make sure the cutter does not simply rub the stock and overheat.

9. Clamp irregular stock.

10. Always secure the drill in the chuck.

11. Always remove the chuck key before operation.

_______________________________________ Date: ____________
(Student Signature)
Drill Press Safety Test, Student: ______________________

Directions
For each item below, read the statement, and choose the one best response below the statement. You must score 100 percent correct on this test in order to use the drill press.

Related VoCATS Test Items

1. How fast should the drill press turn depending on the size of the drill bit and the type of material being drilled?
A. Usually as fast as possible
B. The smaller the drill, the harder the material, the faster the speed
C. Usually as slow as possible
D. The smaller the drill, the harder the materials, the slower the speed

2. Why is the depth gage so important?
A. So you do not drill into the table
B. Because it can cause injuries
C. Get chips in the eyes
D. Get metal flying out

3. What should be done for setting up round and irregular pieces of stock in preparation for drilling?
A. Make sure you are outside of the safety zone
B. Simply hold the stock still with your hand
C. Clamp the stock
D. Never drill round or irregular pieces

4. What should be done for setting up a drilling/boring operation with special purpose bits such as speed bores, forstner bits, expansion bits, hole saws, etc.?
A. Make sure the chuck key is in place
B. Be sure that you see chips flying out of the hole
C. Do not get chips in the eyes
D. Clamp the stock to be drilled

5. Describe the speed at which the special purpose bits, mentioned above, should be used.
A. Usually as fast as possible
B. The smaller the drill, the harder the material, the faster the speed
C. Usually as slow as possible but fast enough that the cutter does not rub and overheat
D. The smaller the drill, the harder the materials, the slower the speed

6. Which item below describes how to adjust the speed of most bench-top drill presses.
A. Change the speed using the hand wheel
B. Change the speed using the pulley and belt with the machine unplugged
C. Use the hand wheel with the machine running
D. Do not change the speed

7. Briefly describe how to adjust the speed of the floor model drill press we have in Lab 103.
A. Change the speed using the hand wheel
B. Change the speed using the pulley and belt with the machine unplugged
C. Use the hand wheel with the machine running
D. Do not change the speed

8. What is the primary safety consideration when adjusting the drill press table if the table is not equipped with a rack and pinion table adjustment. Some floor model drill presses, for example have free-sliding tables. What hazard does that present?
A. The table could slip and smash your foot
B. It could cause pieces of metal to fly out
C. The chuck key could fly out and hit someone
D. Do not adjust the table

9. Periodically, the operator should raise the drill from the hole if chips are not flowing out of the hole. Why is this so important?
A. Help you know how much materials is drilling away
B. Helps you to tell your depth of cut
C. Prevents uneven cuts
D. The drill could seize up, snap, and splinters of metal could enter the eyes

10. After installing a drill in the chuck, what is very important to remove?
A. The spindle guard
B. The chuck key
C. The hand wheel
D. The torsion arrestor

Belt and Disk Sander Safety for Technology Education

Realizing that belt and disk sander safety is very important, I _______________________ agree to obey the following belt and disk sander safety rules. (Print Student Name)

Belt and Disk Sander Safety Rules for Technology Education Laboratories

1. Only use the down side of the disk sander.

2. Only abrade metal on a sander that has been used for sanding wood, then you may create a fire safety hazard because the metal will create sparks that can ignite wood dust.

3. Never dig corners of stock into the belt or disk.

4. Always use the support of the backstops or sanding tables.

5. Do not abrade small stock; you could get your fingers caught by the disk or belt.

6. Do not bear down on the abrasives. This will help you to avoid tearing the belt or disk, and tearing could cause injury.

7. Before using the machine, make sure the belt is tracking properly and the disc is adhered well.

8. No more than one person may use the machine at a time Often sanding machines have both a belt and disk, but only one person may use the entire machine at a time.

_______________________________________ Date: ____________
(Student Signature)
Belt and Disk Sander Safety Test, Student: ______________________

Directions
For each item below, read the statement, and choose the one best response below the statement. You must score 100 percent correct on this test in order to use the belt and disk sander.

Related VoCATS Test Items

1. What side of the disk should you use?
A. Down side
B. Up side
C. Back side
D. Front side

2. Why should small pieces not be sanded on this machine?
A. They will get sucked into the sander
B. They can cause the belt to tear
C. They tend to cause your fingers to get too close to the abrasive surface
D. They cause sand to fly up into your face

3. What should be used to stabilize the work piece?
A. A pair of pliers to help you grip the work piece
B. A tri square
C. By wearing gloves
D. The sander table

4. Why should you not press really hard on the work piece?
A. Helps you avoid making a part go flying across the room
B. To avoid tearing the belt or disk
C. Prevents uneven cuts
D. To avoid have chips fly up in your face

5. How many people may use the entire sanding machine at the same time?
A. Two lab partners
B. Both you and your group leader
C. Two people; one person on the disk and one using the belt
D. One

6. Why should caution be used when sanding metal in the typical technology education lab?
A. You could start a fire because a lot of people sand wood using the sander
B. It could send metal flying up in your face
C. It causes toxic fumes
D. Metal will certainly make the abrasive tear

7. If you dig corners into the sander what could happen that is not safe?
A. The sand could get in your eye
B. It could catch on fire
C. It could tear the belt or disk and hurt your hands
D. The machine could seize up

8. What should you be sure of about the installation of the belt and the disc before using the machine?
A. That no parts are too tight
B. That the speed is set correctly
C. That the miter gage is near by
D. The belt is tracking correctly and the disk is well adhered
Objective 2.02
Apply safety procedures and practices in a technological world

Specifically, students that pass written safety tests with 100 percent accuracy, should then be given practical tests or “trail runs” on the machine in question. This is done under the supervision of the teacher, and the teacher should observe the student’s demonstration for specific behaviors. The following checklist is an example of a practical examination of a student using the band saw. You can adapt this checklist to suit your own needs.

Student:
Date:
Band Saw Safety Task List
Not Demonstrated
Incorrect
Correct
1. Never get fingers close to the blade.



2. Use a push stick for close cuts.



3. Use relief cuts for long irregular cuts.



4. Always keep the blade guards in place.



5. Use a wood blade for wood and a metal blade for metal.



6. Keep the blade guard that protects the fingers and steadies the blade at a height that will not allow the fingers to slide under and contact the blade.



7. Check the blade tension with a piece of wood.



8. Check the blade tracking by observing the blade position in the guide blocks and bearing and by finally pulsing the machine. Check the throat plate clearance.



9. Do not reach behind the blade.



10. Never stand to the right of the saw where the blade could come out if broken.



Comments:
Use similar documentation schemes for the entire safety system.
In addition to general safety tests and tests on specific tools and equipment to be used, you are evaluated on safe and appropriate behavior in the classroom and laboratory.
Evaluation occurs throughout the course and is based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of proper general safety (As specified in the general safety rules)
0-25 points
2. Demonstration of proper use of hand tools (As specified in the hand tool safety rules)
0-25 points
3. Demonstration of safe use of machinery (As specified in the machine use safety rules)
0-25 points
4. Demonstration of safe attitude and behavior
0-25 points